News from the editorial office: Changed layout and more content

If you opened the home page this morning, you may have noticed the moderate changes we’ve made to the page layout. The English language page has now also been adapted 1:1. Well, almost. A few construction sites are still open, also concerning the still pending implementation of our new fan database. But good things come to those who wait. The current changes are of course also of an optical nature, but not only and actually only the means to an end.

Reviews and news in peaceful coexistence

You will have noticed that we now publish more news in addition to the larger reviews, which rounds off the morning reading for many readers. You can like it personally or not, but the forum discussions under the news articles show that it does get read. An author also grows with his tasks and daily practice, which makes me personally very optimistic. However, such an output also brings other problems with it: namely, the visibility and listing of other content on an equal footing.

That’s exactly why I thought about placing a two-column list of current tests and news directly below the top story box (TSB) with the five most recent reviews or top news in the page header, which would also prevent the more elaborate reviews from simply being pushed down and away. So, besides (and after) the TSB content, you can see here chronologically the most recent articles from each of the two sections Tests and News. I then continued further down the page again with the familiar chronological listing of all articles in the usual way, but with a slightly more streamlined layout and also with badges on the thumbnails. However, everyone is free to display only the categories Tests or News exclusively. But that is well known and has not changed.

What should also help findability is the new badge format in the now square thumbnails (space saving). There will surely follow some more categories and colors (e.g. editorial, Computex etc.). But then I keep that flexible free. First think and plan what where and how, so that it does not become too much and too colorful again.

User reviews and forum content

Since many readers (some of them also professionally) are very closely or remotely involved with the subject matter, it is of course always nice to read one or two practical articles. Of course, you can put something like this in the forum or offer it to everyone else on the main page. Anyone who feels called upon or in a position to contribute one or the other: Such content is always a pleasure to read. No matter whether it is the private tinkering or building project, the own PC or a tricky troubleshooting or troubleshooting, a presentation of the own job description or an unusual company or special products are, such things go beyond the normal scope of the content and are a real enrichment. In such a case you can contact me easily (mail, PN in the forum or phone), the imprint is real and up to date. then an editorial vote and consultation takes place. I have to correct it in the end.

I hope these small steps will lead to an even better reading experience on our site, although of course, as always, resources are not infinite. If you have any suggestions or ideas, feel free to post them in the forum or contact me directly – as the case may be. For this already once a thank you! By the way, this one also goes to Michi, who is actively supporting me with the WordPress and theme conversion right now. But more about this if necessary, now we are working again, 🙂